Stealing the show… Residents show up in support of the animal shelter at Commission meeting
Published 3:02 pm Tuesday, June 16, 2020
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Star Photo/Brittnee Nave Several residents attended the Carter County Commission meeting on Monday in support of the Animal Shelter.
Star Photo/Brittnee Nave Shannon Posada took to the podium during the Carter County Commission meeting Monday night.
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BY BRITTNEE NAVE
STAR CORRESPONDENT
Support for the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter echoed at the Carter County Commission meeting Monday night.
This storm of support arose after many believed commissioners were planning to defund the shelter as part of a way to balance the budget.
During the meeting, Shannon Posada, director of the shelter, took the stand.
She elaborated on funds for the shelter, saying the shelter has saved approximately 45 thousand dollars on the budget.
“I want everyone to know, and want everyone to understand that the shelter and my staff do everything possible that we can to save a tax dollar,” she said. “Even though we knew we had extra money left on the budget months back, we didn’t find extra things to spend that money on.”
Following Posada, supporters wearing stickers that said “I support the animal shelter” took to the podium to continue the message. Those who took to the podium warned they would be watching actions of the commissioners, and praised the work Posada and her staff have done. They equally shared their love for animals.
In addition to support for the shelter, a neighborhood group banded together to raise awareness for flooding in their area.
Prior to public comments, Kelly Geer with the Sequoyah Group aimed to alleviate confusion on plans regarding health insurance. She explained many had questions in contacting her, including when this would take place, the cost, and coverage.
After public comments and a 15-minute break, Mayor Rusty Barnett provided his report. This included a thank you to the animal shelter and stating that Carter County was currently Coronavirus-free.
All items to vote on during the meeting were passed.
As the meeting wound down, a round of applause filled the room for Kevin Ward, director of Carter County Schools, as he addressed the commission one final time before he retires.
During commissioner comments prior to adjournment, attention came back full circle to the shelter.
“For the last four years, I have sat here begging and pleading for us to enforce laws,” said commissioner, Robin McKamey. “If we had enforced the spay and neuter laws, we wouldn’t need to be increasing the budget right now because we would have a decrease in population.
“So when I hear that another commissioner says that the way we can solve this problem is to pull out the bullets, I’m very offended.”
